Miners will meet with the Mining Family Matters group at Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition next month.

And top of the agenda will be discussing how to dodge fights over family time and spending time with the kids, The Observer reported.

Co-founders of Mining Family Matters Alicia Ranford and Lainie Anderson said they were keen on addressing issues on FIFO relationships. The interest comes after talking to thousands of miners at Reed Mining Events’ string of mining industry exhibitions in the last few years.

“We especially love being involved in AIMEX because it gives us a great chance to chat with thousands of frontline miners from across Australia about the issues that are important to them – the pros and cons of mining life and how they work to overcome any challenges.

“It’s great to hear how positive people are about their industry. We always come away with loads of fresh ideas and advice for mining families, and new topics to discuss on the website.”

Australian Mining recently reported on Anna Rushton, a Western Australian mother of three whose husband is a FIFO mine worker.

She started a website and a consultancy, FIFO Success to help couples decide whetherthe FIFO lifestyle was right for them.

Gladstone Mining Women Support Group co-organiser Jess Williams said trade fairs such as AIMEX are a good avenue to raise awareness on the matter.

Her partner is in the construction industry and while she may not know what it is like to be part of a FIFO or DIDO family, she understands how it is to be away from a partner who works long hours.

She is a mother of four who knows how it feels to want the support of other families in such situations.

She believes the women’s support group was a good avenue for this.

“A lot of the people in this group don’t have anyone around them,” she said.

A women’s mining group recently slammed anti-FIFO groups, saying blaming FIFO rosters for destroying relationships is a ‘cop-out’ and that FIFO work is a positive with many employees enjoying it.

Williams would like to see more activities initiated in her area to help families in such circumstances.

“There’s lots of money in this town but nothing to do,” she said.

Fatigue is an issue for FIFO workers and sleep, proper diet and time management is some of the factors to consider when managing fatigue.

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